Hijab and the Muslimah: Oppression or Liberation

Hijab and the Muslimah: Oppression or Liberation?
By Aisha Nouh


So there we were: school was officially over, we now considered ourselves juniors, and what better way to celebrate than this? As we sat in the dark, chilled theater, watching Russell Crowe emotionally ask the gods to bless his wife and son, my friend slowly turned her head towards me. I had just about had it with my friends and their constant whispering about the incredible scenery or the computer-generated birds, but her look was different. So I gave her my attention as she whispered into my ear, “Some man just reached out his hand and touched my leg.”

“But there’s no one next to you,” I replied, after allowing a few seconds to let her words sink in.

“He just got up and left two seconds ago,” she said in a weak voice.

“If he comes back, I’ll switch places with you,” I said, and fortunately, he never did come back. During our dinner of fries and greasy burgers, when she kept turning to me not understanding how a person could be so disrespectful of another, I knew I couldn’t just say, “Well, honey, you’re the one strutting around with a skin-tight spaghetti-strap tank top and board shorts a bit shorter than they should be.” So I had to be content with giving her a sympathetic, “It happens to the best of us.”

So with a perhaps slightly racy, yet ultimately very realistic introduction, we begin once again to travel around that endless circle: the controversial issue of hijab (modest or concealing garments; in particular, a woman’s head covering, usually a scarf or shawl). Hijab is widely associated with the presumed oppression of Muslim women en masse. But does Hijab point more towards oppression or liberation? As a teenager in America who makes an effort to practice this act of faith, I can honestly say that only in the most superficial aspects can Hijab be considered a restriction. Yet in deeper issues, such as human nature and social interactions, Hijab is definitely a form of liberation and freedom.

Modesty and purity are some of the preliminary elements upon which Islam builds its foundation, and these aspects can be achieved through Hijab. However, it is first and foremost done for the sake of serving and obeying the will of God, for it is stated in the Qur’an, “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and protect their private parts; that is purer for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and protect their private parts and not to show-off their adornment except only that which is apparent and to draw their veils all over their bosoms.” (24: 30-31). In social terms, hijab serves other purposes. Just by observing our surroundings, we see that Western culture puts great emphasis on flaunting women’s bodies, portraying us as mere sex symbols as opposed to human beings capable of being looked upon as decent and dignified. This use of women subverts the female image from its Allah-given status, so that this image is associated with transient looks and is seen as a sexual invitation.

Islam sees this view as degrading towards the female. No one should be judged according to beauty or wealth; rather, the focus should be on one’s personality. When one wears a scarf, it gives off an aura of respectability. A woman begins to be recognized for her intellect, spirituality and character, gaining more esteem and confidence than if she were simply noticed for how good she looks in a skimpy tube top or the amount of eyeshadow she uses. It is typical for children in today’s world to grow up with the idea that beauty and popularity, rather than strength and morality, define a higher level of achievement and status, and make people who they are. Inner beauty is the main concern of the true Muslim woman, and if anything, this should be her method of making others accept her.

Hijab consists of many more, quite powerful aspects than the ones stated. Of course, the responsibility of hijab goes far beyond wearing a scarf, as the dress code is only the outermost step. More significant than and coupled with this act is the development of spirituality and iman (faith), for borne from these qualities are modest behavior and manners. Another one of the most important characteristic developments the scarf breeds is strength: strength to face the world with pride, dignity and confidence in your Muslim identity. Strength to refrain from anything prohibited in Islam, with a constant reminder wrapped around your head every day.

Our world is still plagued by ignorance and intolerance, yet communication amongst global societies is progressing. People are gradually becoming more open to the idea of Islam and its teachings, which have been expanding for 1400 years and are still rapidly spreading. Islamic principles make it evident that women are never to be considered inferior to men, nor harmed by injustice. Hijab is not a form of punishment, and people have yet to realize that behind the mysterious veil is a maturing, flourishing Muslimah. •


At the time of this writing, Aisha Nouh was a student at Westridge High School in Southern California.
Reprinted from Al-Talib, the Islamic newspaper of UCLA